Poor Richard's Restaurant, owned by Richard Skorman, is offering free meals to all government employees affected by the shutdown as long as they have an appropriate government ID card. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette file)

Poor Richard’s Restaurant is offering free meals to all government employees affected by the shutdown as long as they have an appropriate government ID card.

The offer is good to all government employees affected, not just the military, said Laszlo Palos, chief operating officer of Poor Richard’s.

“We care for the people who live in our community” he said, “the military and forest service and all.”

Palos said he hopes the shutdown does not last past the weekend. If it does or doesn’t, he hopes other restaurants and service providers will join his company and help those being furloughed.

“I really hope this catches on,” he said.

Poor Richard’s Restaurant-Bookstore-Gift Shop-Toystore and Rico’s Cafe & Wine Bar are at 320-324 1/2 North Tejon St. The restaurant is open from11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday. The phone is 578-5549.